Smile #16

Sometimes, we just moving way too quickly.  Too automatic.  Sometimes, we need to stop and appreciate the small things.

I received a pair of free screening tickets to see an upcoming film, The Good Lies.  The plot inspired by the "Lost Boys of Sudan".  It begins with soldiers raiding a Sudanese village, children instantly lost their parents and siblings.  The survivor few includes, Theo, Mamere and Abital.  Kenya, they were told, would be their safe heaven.  During the treacherous 750 miles journey, the children experienced starvation, dehydration, death of siblings, losing Theo to the hands of rebel platoon and constant fear of murderous soldiers.  Along the way, they also met Jeremiah and Paul.  They bonded over their share of similar experiences.    Days turn into weeks, they finally arrived at the Kenya refugee camp.  

At the time, US had a sponsoring program for these refugees.  Luckily, all the siblings were selected to emigrate to the US.  Upon arriving in the US, Abital was told she must go to her host family in Boston while her brothers were sent to Kansas City.  Unwillingly, all went their separate ways.  

The employment agency sent Carrie to welcome the boys and to assist them with job search.  But Carrie has no idea how the boys will eventually change her life.  As Carrie learns more about the boys' history, she changed her 'this is my job' attitude to willingly open her home to host Abital.  

The many innocent dialogues between Carrie and the three brothers brought laughter and tears to the audience.  "Where is your husband?" "I am not married, I provide for myself." "Your survival skills are very impressive."  :)  

Perhaps, it takes someone else to let us know what we have overlooked.  Although my journey wasn't as arduous and haunting, I did experience many cultural shocks during my transition.  Exchanged my small flat of a few hundreds square feet in Hong Kong to a two-floor single family home.  From riding the communal bus to learning to drive my own vehicle.  Shopping market is no longer in walking distance.  Even smaller things, such as number of TV channels available, a ice-making machine embedded with a refrigerator, microwave and oven, hot water on demand, were novelties.  Slowly, the shock wears off and I have taken all these for granted.  

Thank you for this film.  It was touching and thought-provoking.  It brought attention to refugees in the US and also made me introspect my own experience, something I have forgotten to be grateful for.   :) 

Smile #15

The morning was busy occupying each moment with work.  Finally, I was able to catch a breath.  Staring at the computer screen with multiple windows and tabs running, I remember I had grabbed a pack of cookies before I rushed out the door this morning.  My hand began digging through my purse looking for the treat.  Seeing the Amo's Cookie wrapper took me back to an afternoon during my sixth grade year.

My parents always had a over flowing jar full of coins on their desk.  One of my favorite moments is discovering a shiny quarter with a new design, one needed to complete the 50 State Quarters Program.

As vending machines are closed during school hours, for days I stayed after, I'd grab a few coins for the ever-so-luxurious vending machine snacks.  Whether it is a bag of onion ring or a bag of M&Ms, I was always excited to punch in the corresponding number in the keypad and waited for the bag to drop.

One time, I decided to grab a few extra coins and to bring home all the snacks to share with my sister.  I immediately ran up to the room when I came home.  Spread my sister's purple bear blanket on the floor, I opened my backpack full of snacks.  Her eyes widened as I pull out each package.  Famous Amos cookies, pretzels, Skittles, Hersey's bar and Grandma's cookies all laid out.  And the feast began.

Ripping open each bag, cookies in one hand and candy in the other, we giggled and whispered our promise not to tell Mom what ruined our appetite for dinner.

It has been a long time since I had Famous Amos and what a pleasant flashback the cookies brought.  :)  

Smile #14

Instead of luminous rays, I was greeted with dreary and gloomy weather.  The sun has been hiding behind a thick layer of cloud for the past two weeks.

During my drive each morning, under my breath, I would cursed the sun as the main reason for delayed traffic.  I cursed the sun for my depressed mood.  I cursed the sun for his absenteeism.

Until I came across Eleanor Roosevelt's quote on the bottom of my daily inspiration newsletter:

And the quote couldn't come at a better timing.

I began to focus on the glass half-full part.

The breezy weather is refreshing.  Its gentle blow is hinting at us that fall is arriving in just a few short weeks.  Roll down the windows and feel the wind.

Since the weather largely affects traffic, the gloomy outlook motivated me to stay longer at the gym.  My typically 45 mins gym trip turned into an hour and 15 mins workout.

Rain drop tapping my window, perhaps, is nature's best musical.  With its one-two rhythm, I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Although the sun's disappearance may disrupted normal routine; indeed, it make me more appreciative to other mother-nature's moods.